Généreux said Raitt — who was born in Nova Scotia and represents the riding of Milton — is a politician who can “perform formidably in the spotlight,” much like former interim leader Rona Ambrose. He noted her work as the Tories’ finance critic before she made her bid.

“In my opinion, she is the one that could best improve the country's finances, when Justin Trudeau will be done emptying the pockets of his fellow citizens. Canada is now ready for a woman Prime Minister,” Généreux said.

“There is no doubt that Lisa Raitt will be drafted by a future leader to carry out his projects and that she would be part of his close guard.”

Conservative MP Bernard Généreux speaks in the House of Commons on Sept. 24, 2010. (Photo: Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press)

Of course, Canada has already had a female prime minister — Kim Campbell — in 1993.

“Our next goal is to defeat the Liberals in 2019.”

Généreux said he supports the decision of party members to select Scheer, who leapfrogged perceived front-runner and Quebec MP Maxime Bernier on the 13th ballot Saturday in Toronto.

Andrew Scheer is congratulated after winning the Tory leadership in Toronto on May 27, 2017. (Photo: Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press)

“No matter who prevails this weekend, it is our responsibility as Conservatives to rally behind the new leader. Much like our previous generation of Reformers and Tories, the East and the West, rallied behind Stephen Harper,” Raitt said, spurring applause from the crowd. “When we are united, we win; when we are divided, we don’t.”